Egyptian researcher, human-rights
activist and Bologna University alumnus Patrick Zaki said Friday
his travel plans have changed slightly and that he will now be
flying to Italy no earlier than Sunday afternoon.
"There is a slight change in plans as it has come to our
attention that the official documents lifting the travel ban
will be finalised on Sunday at noon," Zaki said on Twitter.
"So we will have to travel after that to be sure my legal
situation is 100 per cent clear," he continued.
"Rest assured Bologna, I'll be there in a couple of days, we
just have to wait two more days," said Zaki.
Earlier sources said the freed researcher was due to fly from
Cairo to Milan Malpensa on Saturday on a scheduled flight with
an Egyptian airline after allegedly refusing a special flight
made available by the Italian government.
Zaki, who was released from police custody on Thursday after
receiving a presidential pardon on Wednesday, also announced on
social media on Friday that he would be in his university city
of Bologna on Saturday morning to "crown the long-awaited
dream".
"The best feeling is freedom," he added on Twitter.
Earlier this month Zaki obtained a masters degree in women's and
gender studies from Bologna University with the maximum grade of
110 with distinction, defending his thesis via video link after
the authorities in his homeland refused permission for him to
present it in person.
He was on trial in Egypt on charges of allegedly spreading fake
news in relation to an article on Coptic Christians, and on
Tuesday he was handed a three-year prison sentence which was
subsequently overturned with a pardon from the Egyptian
President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi.
Meanwhile, the local authorities in Bologna were busy organising
a party for when he arrives.
"It will be a party with all the people who have continued to
shine a spotlight on his case, because this contributed to his
release," said Deputy Mayor Emily Clancy.
She added that the banner still hanging on the town hall calling
for Zaki's release would be removed in his presence.
"It will be a moment of joy and emotion for the city that has
never stopped fighting for his return, his freedom," said
Clancy.
"It will also be an opportunity for the city to thank Patrick
Zaki, a tireless champion of the fight for freedom and human
rights," she concluded.
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